The 10 Cardinal Rules Of The First Date

5. Dont take her to your usual hangouts

There are some spots that I can walk into blindfolded and still feel at home. This is great, and every man (and woman) should have such spots. But these are not the spots to head to when you are on a first date. Many men make the mistake of taking women to places they frequent. They must do this to show their dates that they are known. Well, known for what? Your chronic partying? The fact that you are a creature of the night? That barmaids know you intimately?

Go to these places on subsequent dates, but on a first date, pick somewhere that you are comfortable with; do not go where everyone knows your name. For one, if she will dig the fact that you are well-known in the city, she will probably not be sincere about her feelings for you (as opposed to your job, bank account and friends). On the risk management side: what if things don't work out with the first date? Do you really want others at "your hangout" to assume you're taken?

4. Modesty is very attractive

I believe it was Shania who said that this and that did not impress her much. She did go on to marry a wealthy and connected producer, but alas, it must have been love, right? Despite this failed analogy, most women would, when confronted with 2 similar people, take a wealthy person over the less wealthy one. But they don't want a man who flaunts his fortune. I would even add that women prefer a man with the potential to be successful, rather than a rich one who had daddy set up some trust funds.

Again, this is not based on empirical evidence. However, I do know that women are turned on by success; they do not chase fame — at least not the good ones. The cream of the crop have no price, so leave out the car details, do not throw your wad of cash around, and go easy on the jewelry.

3. Leave the ex out of this

Whether you were good or bad, whether either of you cheated. Regardless of the details, try, no, make sure that you leave the ex out of the conversation. This is nothing but trouble my good man. For one, she will think that you are still emotionally attached: not good. She does not need extra headaches, and a man (or woman) that still has feelings for an ex is nothing but bad news.

On another note, it is good to keep her guessing about your past experiences.

2. The hook for Round 2

All this talk about likes, dislikes, hobbies, interests, dreams, and unfulfilled promises should serve as the perfect setup for you to guarantee yourself Round 2. Think of it; you can have the greatest time in the world, but do you think it would lead to anything if you do not gather the courage to follow up?

Probably not, so drop the shyness, and invite her somewhere else when the opportunity arises. She will enjoy and appreciate your thoughtfulness, and be turned on by your perceptiveness.